Edna Pearl Ellison, a radiant beacon of warmth and laughter, departed this world on March 14, 2024, in Fresno, California, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy that will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew her. She was born on April 1, 1937, to Louis C. and Bobbie Gamble. Edna’s life journey was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of love, family, and unwavering service.

Edna's story began in Hearne, TX, where she was baptized at a young age. She shared memories of her childhood moments with her brothers, Rhodell and the late Sonny. Her childhood, brimming from humble beginnings, laid the foundation for her compassionate spirit before the family embarked on a new chapter in Inkster, Michigan. It was there that Edna's nurturing nature blossomed in 1953 when she met and married her high school sweetheart, Robert H. Grays.  As a couple with their two children, they relocated to San Diego, California to build a new life. They later welcomed their daughter, Terri. It was there in San Diego that she met her best friend Freda who became a big sister to her and a second mother to her children.

Edna's passion for caring for others led her to a fulfilling nursing career, where her compassion and dedication touched countless lives.  Despite facing heartache with Robert's untimely passing in 1965, Edna's resilience shone through as she assumed responsibilities for managing the business owned by her and Robert.

In 1968, Edna's infectious laughter and warm spirit captivated Tommy, her second husband, with whom she shared countless moments of joy and laughter. She relocated her family to Los Angeles, after the nuptials and welcomed their beloved daughter, Camarina, into the world. With the completion of her family, she decided to move the tribe to the Bay Area in Northern California.

As her golden years approached, Edna indulged in hobbies that brought her immense joy. Her vibrant garden was a sanctuary of tranquility, and her prowess in crossword puzzles was unmatched. Her enjoyment of different genres of music, including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and anything country, created a soundtrack of fun. Her love for early mornings, bird watching, and appreciating nature's wonders was a testament to her appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She was entertained by the Golden State Warriors, Politics, and celebrity gossip. These always made for spirited conversations with family and friends.

Edna's children, extended family members, and friends will forever treasure her quick wit, captivating presence, and the countless stories she shared that filled the room with laughter and banter. Her enjoyment of cooking and hand-crocheted blankets will remain cherished heirlooms. She was a master seamstress.

Preceded in death by her parents, Louis Charles and Bobbie, her brother Sonny, and her beloved husbands, Robert and Tommy, Edna’s memory lives on through her devoted children, Robert, Michael, Terri, and Camerina, as well as her adoring grandchildren, Lashane, Michelle, Markeyta, Bobby, Michael Jr., Brandon, Danielle, and Marquez. Her brother, Rhodell, a host of nieces and nephews, her closest confidant, Helen, and a loving community of friends are united in celebrating a life filled with treasured memories. Edna's life was a beautiful melody of love, laughter, and family—a beacon of light that will foreverresonate in the hearts of those blessed to have known and loved her.

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